You will need to provide/complete the following as part of the initial application process:

Initial applicationClick on the link CRPNBC Initial Application and complete the online application. There is a one-time administration fee of $100 for each initial application. You will not need to pay this fee again when you apply to change your registration status from Interim to Practicing or Non-practicing.

A letter from your schoolCRPNBC requires written confirmation from your post-secondary institution that you have successfully completed the requirements of your psychiatric nursing education program. If you are completing your program in BC, your school will send this to us automatically.

Online learning moduleYou will need to successfully complete the CRPNBC online learning module Introduction to BC RPNs’ Ethical, Professional and Legal Responsibilities prior to registering with the college. See the ‘Online Learning Module’ Registration Requirement document for further information.

+Step 2 - Review by CRPNBC

Our review of your initial application may indicate that further information is required. If so, we will request this from you directly.

Once we have the required documents, and confirmation that you have completed the online learning module, we will process your application within 7 business days.

+Step 3 - First Registration (Interim registration)

If your initial application is approved, you will receive an email containing instructions as to how to complete your First Registration application.

You must complete this application, and pay registration fees at $38 per calendar month. Your First Registration application will be processed within seven business days.

Once your First Registration application has been approved, you will receive confirmation via email.

Please note that it can take up to 7 business days for First Registration applications to be processed.

Frequently asked questions

Please take some time to read through the below ‘FAQs’. If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact the CRPNBC Registration department.

+What is Interim registration?

Interim registration is a type of temporary registration that allows those living or working in BC to practice psychiatric nursing with certain conditions or limitations. The most common time that Interim registration is issued is while psychiatric nursing graduates wait to write and obtain the results of the Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination (RPNCE).

+What will be the limitations on my practice?

Interim registration allows you to work with the following restrictions on your practice:

May only work shifts during which there is an RPN or RN present in the same unit or service

May not be in charge of a unit or service.

There can also be other restrictions imposed by the Registration Committee.

+How long does Interim registration last?

Interim registration is tied to the RPNCE you are scheduled to write. It will be effective from the date your application is approved, and will have an expiry date equal to the last day of the month following your exam sitting (see the table below). This allows time for the examination to be marked and the results to be communicated. However, the expectation is that you will apply to change your registration status to Practicing as soon as you learn that you have passed the examination, rather than waiting until the expiry date of your Interim registration.

Exam sitting

Expiry date of Interim registration

January

February 28/29

May

June 30

October

November 30

If you withdraw from the next scheduled examination, CRPNBC will immediately cancel your Interim registration.

+What if I fail the RPNCE?

If you fail the RPNCE on your first attempt, you may apply for a second period of Interim registration provided you are scheduled to write the next examination.

If you fail the RPNCE on your second attempt, your Interim registration will be cancelled and your employer will be informed. You will not be eligible for a further period of Interim registration unless approved by the CRPNBC Registration Committee, following an application to that committee requesting consideration of extraordinary circumstances.

+What does Interim registration cost?

Interim registration costs $38 per calendar month. Even if only one day of the calendar month forms part of your Interim registration period, you will be charged for that month.

The first time you apply to register, there will also be a one-time initial application charge of $100.

+Will I get a registration certificate?

When you are approved for Interim registration, you will receive an email containing your Interim registration certificate. This will state the restrictions on your practice and when your Interim registration expires. It will also contain a registration number that will ultimately be your permanent registration number if and when you are approved for Practicing or Non-practicing registration.

+How will employers know that I have Interim registration?

You can provide a copy of your Interim registration certificate to your (potential) employer.

Employers, or any other person, can also check our public online Register of RPNs and look you up by your last name, first name or CRPNBC registration number. The webpage will confirm your registration status and when your Interim registration expires.

+Do I need to tell CRPNBC who my employer is?

Yes. You must ensure your profile in My Record (to which you will be given access once your application is approved) is up-to-date.

+What do I do when my Interim registration is ending?

When Interim registration expires or is cancelled, you must stop practising psychiatric nursing until you renew your Interim registration or obtain Practicing registration.

If you pass the examination, you will receive an email informing you of this which will contain instructions as to how to apply for Practicing or Non-practicing registration, or become an Inactive registrant by not registering at all.

If CRPNBC informs you that you have failed the examination, and this was your first attempt, you can apply to renew your Interim registration.